FINAL Mystery Friend Friday :: Meet Laura Numeroff!

Hello, readers!!

Or to quote the lovely spider, Charlotte, from the classic book, Charlotte's Web :: "Salutations!"

Photo :: weheartit.com

 
You might have not noticed that I have been MIA most of this week ... I have taken a much-needed, impromptu blogging break.  At home, we have been swamped (even more, if that's possible!) with summer activities, back-to-school errands, and a very, very sick relative who lives out of town. 

In fact, I participated in last weekend's amazing "Got Books?" blogging event from a hotel room while visiting our sick relative! I will be honest ... at the moment, I am feeling extremely overwhelmed!

[Insert deep breath HERE, along with peaceful visual element to inspire readers ...]

Photo :: weheartit.com

Okay ... now that I'm feeling (a little) better, back to the [book] business at hand!

As a result of our last-minute weekend travelling and my unplanned break from the blogosphere, I realized I had not revealed last week's mystery children's author!! So ...

Meet the talented Laura Numeroff, the author of the incredibly successful "If You Give a Mouse ..." books!!!

Here are five facts you might not know about Laura Numeroff ... (information source - www.lauranumeroff.com):

1. She was born in Brooklyn, New York.
2. She is the youngest of three girls.
3. Her favorite possessions growing up were:  a microscope, a box of 64 crayons, and her library card.
4. She loves oatmeal with bananas and raisins.
5. Some of her favorite books are:  Stuart Little, Eloise, and anything by Beverly Cleary.

Ms. Numeroff has a very creative, interactive website for all of her readers, including kids, parents, and teachers.  Take some time to explore the world of Laura Numeroff!!

** Special announcement:  This will be my final "Mystery Friend Friday" post, unless I decide to bring it back at a later date.  I just did not have the kind of response to this feature that I had hoped.  No worries, though!! I have a brand-new weekly feature planned for Wednesdays that I will begin next week, so be sure to come back and take a peek!! **

Mystery Friend Friday :: Meet Lemony Snicket ::

The moment I began reading The Bad Beginning several years ago, I knew I was absolutely hooked on this series.  Mr. Snicket's sarcastic tone had me laughing out loud from the beginning to the end of The Series of Unfortunate Events.

 

Here is a bit about Mr. Snicket, as written on his website:

 

"Lemony Snicket was born before you were, and is likely to die before you as well. His family has roots in a part of the country which is now underwater, and his childhood was spent in the relative splendor of the Snicket Villa which has since become a factory, a fortress and a pharmacy and is now, alas, someone else's villa. To the untrained eye, Mr. Snicket's hometown would not appear to be filled with secrets. Untrained eyes have been wrong before."

Besides the wildly popular series about the Baudelaire children, here are some other works by Mr. Snicket:

And coming in October 2010 ...

You can stay updated on Mr. Snicket and his work by visiting his website.  Even though he would discourage visitors, I highly recommend you give it a look.

And, now, signing off in the spirit of Mr. Snicket ...

May you have the most pleasant day possible in these days of great unpleasantness,

Mystery Friend Friday :: Meet Children's Author Amy Krouse Rosenthal ::

.: Meet Children's Author, Amy Krouse Rosenthal :.

I became a HUGE fan of Ms. Rosenthal this past January after reading her book on motherhood, The Mother's Guide to the Meaning of Life: What Being a Mom Has Taught Me About Resiliency, Guilt, Acceptance, and Love (Guides to the Meaning of Life).

I could hardly put it down! It was full of laughter, wisdom, and acceptance, which are all reflections of this incredibly talented author as a person.  She is not only super-creative, but she is a true humanitarian. 

You must check out her blog, MISSion Amy K.R..  I follow it religiously, and I am astounded week after week at her genuine mission to spread kindness around the globe.

Here are a few of her children's books (and, yes, they are as cute as they look!). Check them out!!!

You can also visit a post I wrote on my other blog, Ten Thousand Hugs, about Ms. Rosenthal! Just click here!

P/S ... I am also hosting a giveaway on my other blog! Click here to enter!

Happy 4th of July, everyone!!!

Be sure to link up below with this super-cool linky party!!